Trump vows to declare Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran as ceasefire expires

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10 days · 10 summary articles
President Donald Trump said on Friday he would “very soon” declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States, framing the move as contingent on defeating Iran in the ongoing war. Speaking at a political rally in New York, Trump stated, “Once we have defeated Iran—which is suffering a crushing defeat—I will declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States” .
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the claim on Saturday, asserting the waterway “has been, is, and will remain Iranian” and can be opened or closed only at Iran’s command. Gharibabadi added that threats or shows of force would not alter Iran’s control, posting the response on X .
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil, gas, and fertilizer trade, has been effectively blocked by Iran since February, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on the country. The 60-day ceasefire negotiated between Washington and Tehran is set to expire this weekend, with no extension agreed upon .
Trump also told Americans to accept higher gasoline prices as the cost of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, linking the economic impact to the military campaign . The White House has not detailed how the declaration would be implemented or its legal basis under international law.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed to the region for nine months, remains in operation despite reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel. Trump dismissed concerns about sailor welfare, stating the deployment duration was “not nearly long enough” .
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program as central sticking points. A framework agreement had previously barred Iran from imposing fees on shipping during the 60-day talks, but no new terms have been finalized as the deadline approaches .
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